Tea 'just as good as water at keeping you hydrated'

It is surely the perfect excuse to put the kettle on: tea is just as good as water at keeping you hydrated.

In a study that busts the myth that tea is a diuretic, researchers found it does not bother your bladder any more than plain water.

Researcher Carrie Ruxton said: 'If you fancy a cup of tea on a hot summer's day, have it. A cup of tea is going to give you the same hydration as a glass of water.'

Rosy: Drinking four mugs of tea a day offers the same excellent hydration qualities as drinking plain water

Dr Ruxton, a dietician, asked 21 men to drink mugs of tea over a 12-hour period, or a similar amount of plain, warm water.

On another day, the tea-drinkers were given water and vice versa.

Blood samples were taken and the men's urine was collected and tested.

The men did not pass any more water when drinking tea - and may even have passed slightly less, a Nutrition Society conference in Edinburgh will hear today.

There was also little difference in levels of sodium and other vital salts. Dr Ruxton said: 'It's a common misconception that drinking tea can increase the risk of dehydration because of the caffeine content.

'But this new study proves that there is absolutely no truth behind the theory.

'Drinking moderate amounts of tea - four mugs a day - offered the same excellent hydration qualities as plain water.

'In addition, urine volume was similar after tea or water, confirming that we do not urinate more after drinking tea.

'Not only is a mug of tea refreshing and delicious, it can be an important part of maintaining proper hydration.'

Dr Catherine Hood, of the Tea Advisory Panel, which funded the research, said: 'Tea drinkers can be reassured that their favourite cuppa can count towards their fluid intake without the risk of dehydration.'